APRIL 7, 2026 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Tuesday that a Filipina was killed in a missile attack in Israel on April 5, amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
The Filipina died inside a residence in Haifa on Sunday evening, alongside her husband, an Israeli, and her elderly parents-in-law.
Second Filipina Killed in Israel Amid Middle East Conflict
Initially, the DFA did not provide further details and identification, though the agency stated that the victim’s next of kin has been informed, the Philippine News Agency reported.
“The family requests privacy at this difficult time to grieve in peace,” the DFA stated. “We join the Filipino community in praying for her eternal rest and for strength for her family during this time of profound loss.
In a later report, the Israel Embassy in Manila identified the victim as Lucille Jane Gershovich, 29 years old. She was killed together with her Israeli husband, Dmitry Gershovich, and her parents-in-law, Vladimir Gershovich and Lena Ostovsky.
Also on Tuesday, April 7, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Expressed condolences and directed immediate government assistance.
“Nakikiramay tayo sa pamilya ng ating kababayang nasawi sa naganap na missile attack sa Haifa, Israel (We extend our condolences to the family of our compatriot who was killed in the missile attack in Haifa, Israel),” he said in a social media post. “Kasama nating nagluluksa ang kanyang pamilya sa gitna ng isang trahedyang hindi dapat maranasan ninuman (We mourn with her family in the midst of a tragedy that no one should have to experience).”
“I have directed our agencies to extend full assistance to the family and to ensure the immediate repatriation of her remains,” the President added. “Nakaantabay ang ating Embahada upang maibigay ang lahat ng kinakailangang tulong (Our Embassy is ready to give all the necessary assistance).”
Furthermore, Marcos stated that the government continues to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East: “Patuloy nating binabantayan ang sitwasyon sa rehiyon (We continue to monitor the situation in the region,” he explained. “Ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino ang ating pangunahing prayoridad (The safety of every Filipino is our top priority).”
Likewise, the President called for unity and support for the grieving family. “Nakikiisa ang buong sambayanan sa kanilang pagdadalamhati (The whole country joins in their grief),” he shared. “Nawa’y matagpuan nila ang lakas at kapanatagan sa gitna ng trahedyang ito (May they find strength and solace in the midst of this tragedy).”
Meanwhile, the Israel Embassy in Manila also expressed its condolences to the family of Lucille Jane Gershovich.
“Two generations of one family were killed in this attack, another stark reminder that the Iranian regime continues to target civilians indiscriminately,” the embassy said in a statement, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
“Israel stands in profound solidarity with the bereaved family and the Filipino community, and shares in the grief over the loss of a Filipino life,” the embassy shared. “We mourn together and honor their memory with dignity.”
As of this writing, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is providing assistance and arranging for the earliest possible repatriation of her remains.
Lucille Jane Gershovich is the second Filipino national killed in a missile attack in Israel since it launched a joint military operation with the United States against the leadership of Iran. The first Filipino fatality was Mary Ann Velazquez, a caregiver who died during a missile attack, while she was accompanying her elderly ward to a shelter in Tel Aviv.